At Market Field School, we are passionate about ensuring all children become confident and enthusiastic readers and writers, and we believe that Phonics provides the foundation in supporting children to develop these skills in order for this to become achievable.

“The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.”

Phonics - Little Wandle

In School we teach Phonics using Little Wandle, which is a complete systematic synthetic phonics programme (SSP) developed for schools by schools. Little Wandle Letters and Sounds Revised is based on the original Letters and Sounds, but it has been extensively revised to provide a complete teaching programme meeting all the expectations of the National Curriculum. 

Phonics is a specific, defined body of knowledge. Children learn this most effectively if we use direct teaching. Phonics is also powerful knowledge. It opens up the potential of reading and so much other learning, too. Children are at an advantage if they are taught phonics efficiently and as early as possible in their learning journey.

Further information for parents and families about Little Wandle Letters and Sounds can be found on their website by clicking https://www.littlewandlelettersandsounds.org.uk/resources/for-parents/

Reading

We want reading to be a positive experience for children and for them to develop a love of reading. To promote this we support children to develop their reading and comprehension skills through well planned lessons, by reading and learning about a wide range of texts in the classroom, providing them opportunities to read across all areas of the curriculum, having used of an inviting and well stocked school library, and taking part in enrichment opportunities such as visiting theatre groups, book fairs, World Book Day and author visits.

Handwriting

At Market Field School we use Penpals to support the development of the children's handwriting.  Penpals is a complete handwriting scheme that offers clear progression through five developmental stages: physical preparation for handwriting; securing correct letter formation; beginning to join along, securing the joins and practising speed, fluency and developing a personal style. Penpals is focused on whole-class teaching using digital resources to enable modelling and interactive learning, along with Practise Books and Workbooks to support independent work.